The London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 by transforming into a two-day event, accommodating an unprecedented 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24-25. This historic alteration aims to address the overwhelming demand, following more than 1.3 million entries in the public ballot. Although the expansion will allow a larger number of participants, the probability of obtaining a spot will remain below 10%.
This enlarged format is anticipated to generate significant benefits, both in terms of charity fundraising and economic impact. Organisers project that the event will raise in excess of £150 million for charitable causes, marking it as the largest fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Additionally, the marathon is expected to deliver approximately £400 million in social and economic advantages.
The schedule for the weekend will be divided strategically to include various categories of races. The first day will host the elite women’s race, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s events, alongside a mass participation run involving nearly 50,000 runners. The second day will highlight the elite men’s race and will also feature another large-scale mass participation event.
Participants will be restricted to competing on only one of the two days, with the results of the ballot anticipated to be revealed in early July. This unique two-day format is confirmed to be a one-time celebration, after which the London Marathon plans to revert to its traditional single-day event in subsequent years.